“Heaven, I'm in heaven

And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak,

And I seem to find the happiness I seek,

When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek”

Last night, we heard this classic, timeless song drifting through the forest. We were far from anywhere, high in the green mountains of Thailand, a country that reveres American music almost as much as its own. We wandered from our rustic mountain guesthouse following this silver thread of familiar melody through lush, green gardens to a simple footbridge across a pond so still it mirrored countless stars. On the far bank, sat a massive Tamarind tree festooned with glowing paper lanterns, and under their soft glow a young woman played impeccable violin with her partner, a fine acoustic guitarist.

Spellbound, Bill and I danced “cheek to cheek” on the small bridge, lost in the rhythm of our love. The lanterns cast their shimmering reflection on the black waters below, and with the sky above us so vast and clear, and the music so pure in the absolute quiet of the night, I felt my soul touch Bill’s, and I knew beyond doubt there is true love, that you can find the one you search for, and in a special moment together, you can experience grace in all its divine promise.

Dancing with beating hearts and our breath so close, we lost ourselves in desire. We were in a world apart, embedded in our own beautiful mystery.

A sudden, brief meteor shower fled across the sky; we paused in wonder, then kissed deeply, embraced by the sultry tropical air.

“Dance with me

I want my arm about you

That charm about you

Will carry me through to

Heaven”

As the final notes of the song lingered in the air, I held Bill a little tighter and he whispered secrets only lovers share.

We welcome the new year with gratitude and excitement for the unwritten stories that lie ahead of us. Cheers to the journey ahead!

Happy new year, my dear readers! Follow the silver thread of your desire to where love awaits you on a hidden bridge beneath the stars.

• Nina London is the founder of Mermaid Wellness Centre for Women and a certified Chi Gong and Laughter Yoga teacher. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their bodies and minds. Contact her at ninalondon.com and on Instagram: @coachninalondon